Mr. Fine, a native of Boston, MA, is the son of Burton Fine, former principal viola of the Boston Symphony. He received his DMA from the University of Memphis in 1990.  Prior to joining the Memphis Symphony,  he held the position of principal viola with the Savannah Symphony (1983-86) and the Dallas Opera (1991-92).  In addition, he is presently is a violinist and violist with the Iris Chamber Orchestra.

An accomplished composer, Mr. Fine has written nearly 200 works, including 70 pieces for viola. His works are published by Carl Fisher and Latham Music.




Marshall Fine, Assistant Principal Viola
First Season with MSO: 1980-1981

Facts about Marshall

If he had not become a musician, he would like to have been: a bridge player, a precision athlete or an interpreter.

Favorite composers: Brahms, Bruckner, Shostakovich

Outside of making great music, the Symphony's most vital role is: To be a peace ambassador; to teach our young skills of an abstract nature (e.g. emotional expression); to prophesy, counsel, and console where ordinary words fail

What he's reading these days:  Harry Potter

Favorite cuisine: Mushroon Molukhia Soup (an Arabic vegetarian lunch)

Most influential teacher: Julian Olevsky at UMass

"Each piece has a message and it is my gift to interpret it so that people understand."